2013 buick encore Reviews and News

The Buick Enclave revolutionized the brand from Flint, Michigan, when the three-row, seven-passenger package hit the market in 2007. With the sensibilities of a family crossover yet the trappings of an upscale luxury car, the Enclave drew parents into Buick showrooms that had for years attracted more grandparents than the early-bird roast beef special. In fact the Enclave set the stage for a subsequent overhaul of the entire Buick lineup, and the average age of a Buick buyer dropped to 57 from 64.

Now, Buick is reaching even lower -- in price and size, as well as the age of the customer - with the 2013 Buick Encore. Based on same Gamma architecture that General Motors employs to underpin pint-sized cars like the Chevrolet Sonic and the Chevrolet Spark, the all-new Buick Encore is a full two sizes smaller than the Enclave.

By combining uncommon smallness with upscale aspirations, the 2013 Buick Encore effectively evades any competition. The BMW X1 is longer, lower and snappier, but it also has a base price that's $5000 more than that of the Encore. The Mini Countryman and Nissan Juke come close in size, but are cheekier and don't suggest upscale refinement. That leaves larger but less luxurious alternatives like the Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan as the 2013 Encore's closest competition.

Small outside, just right inside

While the Buick Encore is smaller than most compact crossovers (it's ten inches shorter than the Ford Escape), GM's smallest crossover doesn't feel cramped from the inside. The driver and passenger will find plenty of head- and legroom, although they might find their elbows occasionally touching. Thanks to a large windshield and a tall seating position, the Encore also offers excellent forward visibility. The front seats are on the stiff side, and it's worth noting that Buick's definition of power seats encompasses fore and aft adjustment but includes a manual recline.

Rear seat occupants predictably should be of the smaller persuasion, and the middle position of the rear seat is really only suited for the elbows of the outboard passengers. At the same time, there's plenty of room in the cargo area for a few full-size suitcases, while the front passenger's seat folds flat to make way for items up to eight-feet long.

Overall, the Buick Encore is probably best suited for young, childless couples seeking a refined utility-style ride to the mall or the lake, yet it'll accommodate the youthful rear-seat passengers that inevitably find their way into the lives of young couples (although it's best if the kids don't exceed pre-school size).

Slow but steady

This subcompact crossover draws power from an appropriately small, turbocharged engine. Also featured in the Chevrolet Cruze and Chevrolet Sonic, this 1.4-liter inline-4 produces 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. Since the Encore weighs about 3200 pounds despite its small size, acceleration is tepid, and it takes more than nine seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill.

Once underway, this boosted engine produces lots of torque across a wide band of rpm, which matches well with a six-speed automatic transmission that always chooses the right gear. But despite tall overall gearing that's meant to deliver mpg instead of mph, the fuel economy of the portly Buick Encore is merely adequate at an EPA rated 25 mpg City/33 mpg Highway in its front-wheel-drive configuration.

The Encore's optional all-wheel-drive system manages traction in a novel way. Rather than wait for the front wheels to slip before engaging the rear wheels, the system activates all-wheel drive every time the vehicle comes to a stop. As this crossover accelerates again, the system progressively reduces the torque sent to the rear wheels while monitoring for signs of slip. When it determines all-wheel-drive isn't necessary, the Encore defaults to front-wheel drive, improving fuel economy. The all-wheel-drive model has an EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg City/30 mpg Highway.

With a simple suspension setup of struts in front and a torsion-beam axle in the rear, the Buick Encore nevertheless achieves a masterful balance between refined ride quality and taut body control, as if it had been developed in Germany, not Korea. In the corners the Encore leans over only minimally and remains steadfastly planted on the asphalt. We were even more surprised by the steering action, which increases in effort at speed with superb linearity.

The real reason to buy

The Buick Encore's impressive driving manners are a powerful endorsement, but this compact crossover's strongest selling point is actually its value. If you can afford to sacrifice some interior space compared to a Ford Escape, the Encore will reward you with a more opulent interior and more convenience features for a similar price. Starting at $25,450, the 2013 Buick Encore comes standard with a seven-inch touchscreen interface for its electronics, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, USB audio input, a power-adjustable driver's seat and 18-inch wheels.

The Encore's interior is dressed in attractive two-tone duds, and the premium feel is accentuated by active noise cancellation, which mutes the engine's drone to keep the Encore impressively quiet and Buick-like. Three different trim packages -- Convenience, Leather and Premium -- add comfort and convenience items to the mix, including sophisticate technology like a navigation system and lane-departure alert, although keyless ignition and a power liftgate are notably absent.

Stretching to fill its role

That fact that the Buick Encore is unusually small is almost irrelevant to its appeal. Buick might have been just as well off with a compact crossover in a more conventional size, yet the petite Encore seems just as capable of fulfilling its duties as a midsize vehicle. The 2013 Buick Encore offers reasonable fuel economy, impressive driving dynamics, and an upscale interior at a sweet-spot price that makes it accessible to those who normally shop brands that are more conventional. You can buy more car for less money, but not with this level of luxury.

New For 2013

The Encore is an all-new entry for 2013. It’s expected to arrive in dealerships in the first quarter of the year.

Overview

Crossovers are getting smaller, and the new Buick Encore is one of the smallest of all. More petite than a Chevy Equinox, the Encore is closer in size to a Mini Countryman. Buick designers endeavored to give it Buick styling cues, but they couldn’t disguise the Encore’s tall, stubby proportions. Despite its diminutive footprint, however, the Encore has a reasonable amount of space inside for four people and can haul a fair bit of luggage. The Encore is based on the platform of the Chevy Cruze sedan and uses the same 1.4-liter, direct-injected turbocharged four that’s available in the Cruze. Output is estimated at 140 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque, delivered via a six-speed automatic transmission to either the front or all four wheels. The Encore’s curb weight of 3190 pounds (with front-wheel drive) is within 50 pounds of the Cruze, so performance should be similar. Like many direct-injected fours, this 1.4-liter isn’t exactly mellifluous, but Encore drivers might not notice, because Buick engineers used active noise cancellation in the Encore to mask its droning. This baby Buick boasts some other upscale equipment, including leather, navigation, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, a power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, front and rear park assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision alert, and a backup camera.

Safety

Front, side, side curtain, and knee air bags; ABS; a tire-pressure monitor; and stability and traction control are standard. A backup camera, forward-collision alert, and lane-departure warning are available. OnStar includes crash response and emergency assistance, which are part of the safe and sound package.

You'll like:

Maneuverability

Decent cargo space

Available luxury equipment

You won't like:

Rearward visibility

Looks a little odd

Key Competitors For The 2013 Buick Encore

This summer has been a good one for U.S. auto sales, and it peaked in August. After flirting with the 16-million-unit level in June, and receding a bit in July, the industry vaulted over that marker in August, as the annualized sales rate reached 16.1 million units. Not only was this August's pace the most torrid of 2013, it's the best since 2007. Compared to last August, automakers were up an average of 17%, when the sales rate was 14.5 million units. Once again, pickup trucks were hot (bolstered by a fast-improving housing sector), and they were joined by sizzling sales of luxury cars. A rich model mix and lower incentives made for transaction prices that were at an all-time high -- extra-good news for the industry, if not for consumers.

AMERICAN HONDA +27%
Honda remained just out in front of Chrysler, thanks to a big surge in its volume products.

VOLKSWAGEN GROUP +2%
July was a near repeat of June for the Volkswagen Group, with VW down slightly but increases elsewhere putting the group just ahead of last year.

Dinosaurs staring in the Buick Encore’s first TV commercial show how nimble the compact crossover is compared to traditionally large luxury cars – like those once built by Buick. The ad attempts to get the attention of younger customers with the relatively inexpensive and compact Encore, as we noted in our 2013 Buick Encore First Drive.

Jim Federico is currently in charge of B-segment small cars for GM around the world, from the United States to Europe to Brazil to China to Indonesia and everywhere in between, but his engineering hands have been all over some ten GM vehicles that are currently on sale in the United States, including:

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Sound & Entertainment

Warranty

Recalls

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:30

Component

STEERING:WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR

Summary

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured between December 9, 2012 and December 28, 2012, and equipped with a heated steering wheel. The steering wheel fastener may not have been properly installed. This could cause the steering wheel to come loose or separate from the steering column.

Consequences

If the steering wheel separates from the steering column while driving, the ability to steer could be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and make any necessary repairs on the steering wheel. These services will be provided at no charge to the customer. The safety recall began on May 21, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300. This is General Motors campaign number 13098.

Potential Units Affected

144

Notes

General Motors LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

AIR BAGS

Summary

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured April 10, 2013, to May 8, 2013, and Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured December 30, 2012, to March 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, an improper weld on the passenger side front air bag inflator may result in the air bag not deploying.

Consequences

If the air bag does not to deploy in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the front passenger.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick) or 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14211.

Potential Units Affected

61

Notes

General Motors LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Summary

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.

Consequences

Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.

Potential Units Affected

2,990

Notes

General Motors LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

SEATS

Summary

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.

Consequences

A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.

Potential Units Affected

124,007

Notes

General Motors LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

Summary

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to March 1, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to May 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the driver and passenger lap belt pretensioner cables may not lock in a retracted position, allowing the seat belts to extend when pulled upon.

Consequences

If the seat belts do not remain locked in the retracted position when under load, the seat occupant may not be adequately restrained in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front the driver's and the passenger's lap belt pretensioners, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. GM sent interim notifications on October 7, 2014 and will send a second notification when remedy parts are available. The recall began on November 20, 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14171.